To the editor:
Imagine my surprise and dismay, if you will. I arrive back home to Brown County after being away for a bit and discover Ben Phillips and Jenni Voris have taken it upon themselves to correct an insurrection, through the venue of this newspaper, that never happened — once again creating havoc where there is none.
Ben Phillips and Jenni Voris contend that the whole of the Republican establishment, sans them, is racist, sexist, homophobic and generally mean.
Their primary target is the Republican chairman, Mark Bowman, and his bride Robyn Rosenberg. They also attacked all the precinct chairs, vice chairs, our prosecutor, myself, my wife and anyone else standing around.
The accusations were pretty clear. Anyone who didn’t rage against an article originating in Boston that someone found offensive was a racist, a bigot and sub-human.
One thing you can be sure of: Ben Phillips and Jenni Voris never do their due diligence and always fire, then aim.
Several of the precinct people have family, kids and grandkids that are other than Caucasian. Some of us have relatives that practice an alternative lifestyle.
Now to the chairman and his wife. First of all, Mark and Robyn are dedicated professionals in all they do, be it business, volunteer work, education, politics or their spiritual life.
Robyn was brought up and practices the Hebrew faith. She is proud of her Jewish heritage. Good for her.
What about Mark Bowman? Mark’s great-great-grandfather served proudly in the Civil War in the Calvary — the Colored Cavalry, honorably discharged. That’s right, Mark has black roots and is proud of it!
So this great family, Mark, Robyn and Tanner, who offer so much to the community, celebrate not only Christmas and Hanukkah but also Kwanzaa as a tribute to Mark’s war hero great-great-grandfather, are being maligned and harassed by this uninformed duo of Ben Phillips and Jenni Voris.
All things being equal one, can only surmise that these two are not only anti-Semitic but perhaps racist.
Ben and Jenni are obviously not aging well. Their confused thinking is a cause for concern. Instead of lashing out, I feel like healing will more likely begin if we recognize this duo may have other issues.
They probably should be pitied rather than scorned, embraced rather than excoriated.
This is an excellent example where contributions should be made to mental health wellness programs.
Shalom and may God bless.
Blake Wolpert, Nashville
